Resources
As technical assistance for the Together on Diabetes initiative funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, AADE requested a DSME cost-sharing white paper from the Harvard Law School. The white paper, Reconsidering Cost-Sharing For Diabetes Self-Management Education: Recommendation For Policy Reform, draws the conclusion that insurers should provide coverage of DSME with little or no cost-sharing in order to both improve patient health and curb costs.
In the fall of 2014 members of the American Association of Diabetes Educators conducted a study to assess the performance of the competitive bidding program (CBP) for insulin pumps and replacement supplies, and Medicare beneficiary access to insulin pumps and related supplies in competitive bidding areas. The results of this study found that many contract suppliers in each of the competitive bidding areas (CBAs) do not carry insulin pumps and/or related supplies. Read the complete study.
Conducted in October 2014, an in-depth analysis of the 578 comments received by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on draft guidance for blood glucose monitoring systems for over-the-counter use and prescription point-of-care use. This analysis was conducted in order to gain an accurate representation of the true feedback provided to the FDA on this issues.
Conducted in November 2013, a survey by Harris Interactive explored the opinions of people in the U.S. who have diabetes and use blood glucose meters. The research was intended to examine their knowledge and experiences with blood glucose meters and its role in the proper management of their condition. Attached is the executive summary.
A follow-up to a study conducted in August 2011 where diabetes educators surveyed contract suppliers to determine the range of products offered and the accuracy of information supplied by CMS via its website, Medicare.gov. Through that study, AADE found that contract suppliers in Round 1 were not offering most of the products said to be offered on Medicare.gov, and most of the products available to Medicare beneficiaries before implementation of Round 1 were no longer available to through the Competitive Bidding Program. In September 2013, AADE repeated the study, seeking to determine the range of diabetes testing supplies offered by contract suppliers to Medicare beneficiaries. Attached is the executive summary. Read the complete study from August 2011.
On October 1, 2013, Health Insurance Marketplaces nationwide will begin open enrollment. AADE has developed a brochure for diabetes educators and their patients with information on healthcare changes created by the implementation of Health Insurance Marketplaces. This document includes basic information for Health Insurance Marketplaces, a summary of “essential health benefits” and what patients with diabetes can expect to change in their healthcare coverage.
Recent studies provide additional compelling evidence that DSMT programs, involving a health team approach that includes Credentialed Diabetes Educators, not only significantly reduces overall health costs but also improves health outcomes.
These findings support the critical need for Congress to enact legislation to include Credentialed Diabetes Educators as Medicare providers of DSMT, in order to enhance access to DSMT care that directly impacts diabetes health outcomes and saves money.
AADE can provide you with valuable information and fact sheets to help you communicate to your Members of Congress the need and justification for the Credentialed Diabetes Educator to be recognized as a Medicare DSMT provider.
Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, LLC (Dobson | DaVanzo) was commissioned by AADE to estimate the financial impact of implementing H.R. 2787 using the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scoring methodology. The proposed legislation designates credentialed diabetes educators as Medicare providers of Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT). Currently, DSMT programs must be accredited, and operate as distinct entities within a facility, such as a hospital. The DSMT benefit is thought to be underutilized, and many individuals living with diabetes lack access to a DSMT program. Medicare recognition of qualified diabetes educators as DSMT providers would promote quality and better access to care for diabetes education. Read the complete study.
Tools
The Library of Congress has made it easy to get updates on federal legislation.
Informational materials on: the legislative process, Congressional staff roles, communicating with your elected officials and visiting Capitol Hill.
A comprehensive list of each Member of Congress's Twitter handle.